I hope your summer has been safe and enjoyable. We have had a productive and engaging year thus far and I can’t believe we will soon be entering fall of 2018. In August your officers and representatives were very busy conducting a membership survey following the rejected tentative agreement (TA) at Alaska Airlines (ASA), as well as a 13 station roadshow and kicking off a TA Ratification Referendum at Southwest Airlines (SWA).

The AMFA–ASA and Virgin America Transition and Seniority Integration Agreements Survey concluded on August 22. The AMFA-ASA Negotiating Committee will use your feedback from the survey to help guide them in pursuing an agreement worthy of your approval. Please stay tuned for further details and future meeting dates with the Company.

The AMFA–SWA Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) Tentative Agreement Roadshow wrapped up on August 23. I personally attended every station during the roadshow and I want to express my utmost respect to the members who took the time to show up, listen, participate, and ask the hard questions that will affect you, your family, and your career for many years to come. Most importantly, from the feedback I received, I believe many of you could finally put the puzzle together and visibly comprehend how and why the SWA AMTs are in this situation today and why the process took so long. Sadly, the Company intentionally and mindfully implemented an internal six (6) year pay freeze with the sole purpose of resetting your AMT pay from” industry leading” to “industry competitive.” True leadership would respect our AMTs, not deliberately execute a six (6) year pay freeze "to allow the competitors to catch-up" during a period of record profits, which you were direct contributors to the successes of SWA during this time.

The AMFA–SWA TA Ratification Referendum Notice and Voting Instructions were mailed to eligible members on August 23, and the tally is on September 18. I encourage everyone to review the TA and vote. I also encourage you to review the AMFA-SWA Negotiations Updates on the Southwest Airlines News and Updates page of the AMFA National website. Please also note that Delta Airlines released a memo to their AMTs that they will again be given an increase of 3% in wages effective October 1, 2018, and American Airlines has offered $55 to their AMTs and benefits as well. This is your opportunity for your voice to be heard – VOTE!

I ask you to stay engaged with your union updates and officers. For more carrier specific updates and further information regarding AMFA and the airline industry, please visit the AMFA National Website at www.AMFANational.org. Our most determined efforts will only succeed with your continued support and participation – please stay informed.